Promoting the health and athletic performance of young adults with intellectual disability through a physical activity intervention

Summary

Physical Activity and Sport: Physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality (DofH, 2011).  The positive physical and psychological benefits of individuals taking part in regular physical activity are well known (Biddle et al., 2015). Regular physical activity (experienced through sport) contributes to the prevention of several primary and secondary chronic diseases as well as reducing the risk of premature death (Warburton et al., 2006) and can improve psychological wellbeing (Biddle et al. 2015).

Intellectual disability: Of concern is that individuals with intellectual disability (ID) have been found to have lower levels of physical activity when compared to the general population (Fitzpatrick et al. in prep.). This group experience health disparities such as higher levels of cardiovascular and cardiorespiratory disease (Taggart et al. 2015).  Given the health advantages of being physically activity has, it is imperative that programmes which encourage physical activity participation be sought and their effects be investigated.

Special Olympics: The Special Olympics has more than 4.7 million participants in 169 countries whose goal is to bring better fitness, nutrition and healthier lifestyles to individuals through their physical activity, competitive sport and healthy lifestyle programmes (Special Olympics, 2017). Although the SO is focussed on participation in physical activity and sport there is a shortage of literature that investigates any positive effect that the programme might have on physical and psychological health. Furthermore, there is limited evidence regarding how SO physiological training (Baran et al. 2013) and psychological preparation (MacDonald et al., 2015) for competitive events can affect athletic performance and outcomes, which is surprising given the latest SO world games attracted over 7000 athletes (Special Olympics, 2015). Given their established links, this PhD programme will design a programme developed and co-produced with SO athletes and coaches that will focus on enhancing health, physical fitness and athletic performance through physiological training and psychological preparation.

AIM: Based upon a social ecological framework, the aim of the PhD project will be to develop, co-produce and test, a multi-component physical activity intervention for young adults with ID. The programme will address vital health benefits of physical activity by focussing on the links between physical activity, cardiovascular fitness and health through the medium of athletic performance. To achieve this aim, the PhD programme will have 4 objectives:

1). To complete a systematic review of existing literature on the physical health and psychological wellbeing outcomes resulting from participation in SO programmes.

2). Explore the methodological and practical challenges of different objective measures of collating activity levels, cardiovascular fitness, performance and wellbeing in young adults with ID

3). To develop and co-produce a multi-component physical activity intervention for young adults with ID and their coaches in SO, targeting health and athletic performance using a social ecological framework.

4). To undertake a feasibility randomised trial of the multi-component physical activity intervention targeting physical activity, cardiovascular fitness, and well-being.

The programme will be delivered by BSc Sport, Physical Activity and Health students deployed to SO clubs in the North West region of Ireland.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications - peer-reviewed
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• Experience of presentation of research findings
• Use of personal initiative as evidenced by record of work above that normally expected at career stage.

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living